So you want to know I little bit about me. Let’s begin with a quick rundown. I was born on November 24, 1969 in Washington D.C. and have lived in Northern Virginia ever since. My favorite color is green my favorite number is 4 and I ‘m a huge Atlanta Falcons fan. My favorite movie changes with my mood. Today it’s Nacho Libre and tomorrow it might be The Nightmare before Christmas. I’m happily married to my wife Kristin and love being Dad to my daughter Jordan and new son Ryder. When I get to the beach I love to surf and if anyone ever wants to buy me a drink I prefer a cheap Miller Lite an expensive Heineken and never turn down a shot of Jack Daniels.

Now that we got some facts out of the way let’s talk about my name. J. stands for Joseph but I also go by J.R. (yes I’m a junior). I’ll answer to either J. or J.R. but never to Joseph. Sometimes I may even answer to Jackass-Just Kidding.

Since I’m Lead Vocalist of Aces and Eights I guess you want to know how I became a singer. Well it’s pretty simple. I think I inherited my voice and love for music from my talented mother. In her earlier years my mother was a successful solo vocalist who performed and recorded an opera style of music. She can be a great critic a helpful coach and along with my dad my biggest fan. Growing up I can remember my parents listening to the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennet and Neil Diamond to name a few. I grew up respecting and enjoying that style of music. People who know me well will tell you I’m still a huge Neil Diamond fan (yes I have a concert ticket stub). I respect both his tone and his song writing ability. So don’t be surprised if you hear me end a heavy classic rock set list with Sweet Caroline.

In 1977 my musical taste broadened when I first heard the band KISS. At 8 years old and idolizing the Space Man- Ace Frehley I began to take an interest in heavy rock. To this day I can still say my all time favorite album is KISS Alive II. I was fortunate to see the band in full make-up and costume during their first reunion tour. Just to let you know my 5 year old daughter dressed up in full make-up as Gene Simmons for Halloween (how cool is that).

My first experience in a band didn’t last long. In 1989 I grew out my hair like so many 80’s lead singers and tried out for a punk band named Spunge. Even though I fit the skateboard punk image I was told by the band members I had too much melody and not enough screaming vocals. Later I began to diversify my vocal range and sculpt my own style of singing. In 1992 I helped form the band Vast Minority and took on the role as the bands long haired crazy front man. Vast Minority was mainly an originals band but also played a few covers like Black Sabbath and Alice N Chains. Vast Minority had great local and regional success and even recorded a CD titled Trip for Thought. During my time with Vast Minority I was fortunate to play in many well known clubs such as CBGB’s and the Bayou.

After Vast Minority disbanded in 1996 I took a break from music and pursued other hobbies and interests. I began to spend most of my free time Bass Fishing and even enjoyed the stressful competition of tournament fishing. On any given day you may still find me at one of my favorite fishing holes-hopefully reeling in a nice 10lb. bass.

Even out of a band I still worked on various projects as a studio singer. I wrote and recorded a few originals. Then one day I got a call from Chris Poindexter asking me to join a Classic Rock Cover Band. After jamming with Poindexter, Fisher and John I realized how much I missed being a member of a band. I love singing and I especially love to perform-remember it’s in my blood. I want to thank these guys for choosing me as front man for Aces and Eights. Every singer dreams of finding that one talented group of musician to work with and I definitely found it with Aces and Eights. Thank you for the opportunity. I am excited about starting this journey with them. We have a great thing here and I know you’ll be entertained. We can’t wait to play for you. We’ll be seeing you soon. Enjoy the show! J.